The Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board is considering saving money from the budget by reducing custodians’ wages from $11/hour to $9.60/hour. I vehemently disagree with this decision; reducing the income of those least able to afford such a cut is unethical in addition to being unwise.

My concern is first for the custodians. According to reports I have read, their current wages are insufficient to support their families and they often need to take second jobs in order to get by.

But further, I am concerned for our country and the growing gap between the rich and the poor. We have much evidence from other countries that a wide socioeconomic gap creates a dangerous instability and can wreak havoc in the society. Saving money by decreasing the salaries of the lowest paid workers would follow a dangerous path and create an even more dangerous precedent.

I am sure that budget decisions in our education system are extremely difficult to make given the current North Carolina budget allocations. I hope that the school board will find another way to save money, even if it requires a small decrease in budget lines that impact classrooms.

In the Sunday, July 13 paper, I believe the picture in “Your Best Shot” is a Red Bellied Woodpecker female, and not a Flicker.

Kirk Doing

Durham

No leftovers!

Since both candidates’ supporters accuse the others of removing election signs, there should be no problem getting rid of all of them now! No leftovers after the event!

By the way, anyone else want a write-in in November?

Dana Mochel

Carrboro

Rinse, then recycle

If the new recycling bins are too large for the average family, how about emptying them less often?

Every two or three or four weeks should be enough. If it’s just recycling it won’t be smelly.

Just for the record I don't think they are any less attractive than the garbage containers. Beauty is not supposed to be one of their functions.

Riva Econopouly

Carrboro

One size doesn’t fit all

While it is commendable that Chapel Hill continues to be committed to curbside recycling, the adoption of the new large, heavy carts is not an improvement for everyone.

A quick drive around Chapel Hill will show many properties on very steep grades, some with only stairway access to the street from the house. For those of us in that situation, the carts are literally impossible to use.

I appreciate that there are allowances for the disabled and elderly, and it would be wonderful if there were an option for others of us who cannot use the carts because of terrain. My discussions with individuals within the recycling department have been very pleasant but they have not been able to make exceptions thus far.

The carts may be ideal for those with level driveways, but not for all. It seems unfair that the town chose to go with “one size fits all” for recycling collection.

Elizabeth Moore

Chapel Hill

Tragic loss of life

I am deeply troubled by the ongoing violence in Gaza, the tragic loss of life on both sides, and the deepening grievances and hatreds that will take decades to heal. I strongly support the efforts by Secretary Kerry and those in the international community working to effect an immediate cease-fire.

I firmly believe that Israel has a right to defend its citizens from rocket attacks perpetrated by militant elements that oppress and endanger the very people they claim to protect. I also know that history is replete with examples of belligerent responses to aggression – however justified – that achieve little lasting change.

I believe that Israel’s interests will ultimately be served best by a response that is both measured and proportionate, with every possible effort made to prevent civilian casualties. This latest escalation only further underscores the need to resume negotiations toward a permanent, two-state solution that secures enduring peace and security for Israel and Palestinians alike.